Gaza-based Palestinian game developer Rashid Abu Aida has announced his latest project, “Dreams on a Pillow,” set against the backdrop of the 1948 Nakba. The game narrates the harrowing journey of a war-stricken mother who, in a desperate bid for survival, mistakenly grabs a pillow instead of her child.
“Dreams on a Pillow” delves deep into the anguish and struggles of this woman, compelling players to confront choices that influence her mental state, such as deciding whether to keep or abandon the pillow. The game’s objective is to immerse players in the traumatic experiences faced by Palestinians during the Nakba.
Abu Aida shared with British media the challenges of presenting the Palestinian narrative, revealing that his funding applications were rejected 300 times. Undeterred, he turned to the Muslim crowdfunding platform LaunchGood, successfully raising half of the required funds by January 7. He remarked, “The support has been overwhelming, highlighting the enthusiasm for the Palestinian story.”
The game is expected to be completed in approximately two years. To ensure its completion, Abu Aida has implemented a contingency plan to safeguard the project’s continuity in case of unforeseen circumstances.
A decade ago, Abu Aida developed “Liyla and the Shadows of War,” a game that garnered multiple awards and nominations, including the “Excellence in Storytelling” award.